Juventus show plenty of charity

Juventus FC players organised and presented a show at the Gubbio Communal theatre last night in order to raise funds for Italy's largest children's hospital, the Gaslini in Genoa.

'A dream for Gaslini'
The show, entitled 'A dream for Gaslini', was broadcast live on national television by Raiuno and has helped the amount raised by the Bianconeri rise to more than €750,000. Special guests on the show included former Juventus players Pietro Rava, a 1938 FIFA World Cup winner with Italy, legendary Welsh striker John Charles and Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

Del Piero tribute
Alessandro Del Piero got the evening under way by paying tribute to the club's former president Giovanni Agnelli, who died last week. "We dedicate this evening to the memory of Gianni Agnelli, a real sportsman that we will never forget," the Italian international said.

Ferrara donation
An auction was also used to raise further funds for the hospital. Among the items to go under the hammer were a pair of Diego Maradona's boots donated by defender Ciro Ferrara, who was given them by the Argentinian legend when they were playing together at SSC Napoli. "They really mean a lot to me," Ferrara said. "I wanted to give my own boots but nobody would have bought them!"

Proceeds go to good use
Maradona's boots fetched €20,000. Additionally, Del Piero's 2002 World Cup footwear, a pair of Edgar Davids' glasses, and a pair of Gianluigi Buffon's gloves were also auctioned. Proceeds from the evening will be used to reconstruct the San Gerolamo Abbey near the hospital, which will provide a recreation area, library and classrooms for children to use while they are in hospital, as well as accommodation for their parents.